SOUTH CANTERBURY.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17938, 5 December 1923, Page 4

SOUTH CANTERBURY.

TIMARU.

Social and Personal Mr A. CK Hamilton left for Christchurch yesterday. He will return to Timaru to-morrow. Miss Joan Harper (Wellington) is staying with Mrs C. A. Tripp (Wai-iti road). Mrs W. H. Walton (Park lane) will leave to-morrow for the Bluff to meet Mr Walton, who will return from Melbourne on Saturday in the Moeraki, after a nine months' trip to Europe and America. They are expected back in Timaru on Monday. Miss Linda Mayor (Auckland) is the guest of Mra Georgo Webster (Nelson terrace).

Mrs Baume and Mrs Sidney Nathan (Auckland), who were staying at the Hydro, left yesterday for Dunedin. Mr and Mrs Bernard Tripp (Orielton) will leave on Friday for Orari Gorge, where they will remain until February, when they will go to England. Mrs W. Helmore (Ohristchurch), who has taken "Orielton" in their absence, is expected in Timaru about the end of the week.

Misa A. J. Menzies has returned to Ohristchurch after a fortnight spent with Mrs A. L. Taylor (Le Cren street).

Street Cleaning and Watering.

A meetii.g of tho retailers' section of the South Canterbury Employers' Association was held yesterday to discuss sweeping the main streets and watering the roadway. Mr E. Porter, who presided, said the borough water cart had been conspicuous by its absenco for some time so far as Stafford street was concerned. A deputation from the Association had waited on the Works Committee and had pointed out that improvements in the cleaning system were imperative. It was suggested that the road in Stafford street" should bo watered twice every day and the channels and footpaths cleaned. Tho 7 Council then brought out a by-law requiring tho footpaths to be swept before 8 o'clock. This was practically impossible as tho retailers had to contend with the labour laws. The speaker then read the Borough Council's reply which stated that the main street would be watered once a day before 8 o'clock, and that the streets must be swept before 8 a.m. The water cart had made its first trip that morning, contiiiued the speaker, but there was very little sign showing afterwards of the street having been watered. Mr Porter again emphasised the fact that there was no obligation upon shopkeepers to clean the streets. If they did not do so a nuisance would soon be created, and the Council would then be compelled to do something. Several other members spoke in support of the chairman's remarks. Mr Porter said that tho retailers' action was; not tantamount to a vote of no-confidence in the Mayor, who was always willing to listen to any section of the community and do his best for the ratepayers. The speaker would like to say, however, that the Mayor was not receiving the support that he should receive.

After further discussion the following resolution was carried unanimously: "That the Borough Council be written to asking it to carry out its duty by watering .and cleaning in the early mbrning before the shops commenced business; that, the dust and refuse carts should be covered; that the main street be watered in the morning and in the afternoon during the summer months, and that it be pointed out to the Council that by-law No. 43 cannot be carried out owing to the Shops and Offices Act." The Holidays. At the meeting of Timaru retailers held yesterday, Mr E. Porter presiding, the secretary explained the position in regard to the closing of shops during the Christinas and New Year holidays in Christmas Week. He said the "late 'night" would be held on Christmas Eve, Monday, December 24th. The shops could keep open till 10 o'clock. On Christmas Day and Boxing Day they would bo closed, and on the following Friday and Saturday they could keep open till 5.30 or 6 ojclock, it not being necesary to observe the' usual half-holiday on the Saturday. The position was the same in regard to the New Year week. All factories, of course, would have to observe the halfholiday on December 29th, and January sth. It had been decided to close the shops in Timaru according to the Act, and on the Saturdays mentioned the half-Jipliday would not bo observed. After a lengthy discussion it was decided to observe the usual half-holiday on January sth and to keep open till 5.50 or 6 o'clock on December 29th. Timaru Presbytery. The Timaru Presbytery met yesterday. Present: The Be vs. G. D. Falconer (Moderator), A. Begg (clerk), J. B. Hall, P. Gladstone, Hughes, J. D. C. Madill, H.. B. Fell, F. E. Charman, and; Messrs S. Cunningham and J. Anderson. The Beys. G. Budd, of Auckland, and J. Bissett were also present as visitors. The clerk announced that as a resultof conferences it had been decided that in the near future a trip of inspection would be made of the Mackenzie Country, with a viow to establishing a new church. With regard to this Mr Budd said it had been thought best to defer the trip till after the holidays. Someono should be sent into that district for a few mouths to do somo "exploration" work. With regard to the retention of Mr Anderson as Home Missionary at Orari, the Assembly's Home Mission Committee was fully agreeable to his remaining there. 1 He thought the Orari people should be able to raise greater amounts for stipend purposes. That district had been receiving grants from the Assembly and that was one thing the authorities were fighting against. Old established parishes should by now be able to maintain themselves fully. Al; the present time the work in the church was progressing very satisfactorily. A firm stand was being taken by the Appointments Committee with regard to men who were showing weakness or inefficiency over a long period. A policy was now being followed that would lower the number of Home Missionaries. In the lopg run they would eliminate the Home Missionary altogether, although he knew they were doing a great amount of work. The committee had decided to bring no more Homo Missionaries from Home. (A voice: Hear, hear.) The appointment of the Presbytery's Youth Committee resulted: the Bevs. A. Begg (convener), F. R. Charman and H. E. Fell, Mrs Currie and Miss Cumming, Messrs Cunningham and Smith. The Christchurch Youth Committee wrote that the next district Youth Committee conference would be held in Christchurch at Easter. It was agreed that all ministers make suitable reference to the jubilee of the foundation of Canterbury on Sundav, December 10th.

Daylight Assault. Some time ago an employee of the Municipal Electric Light Department was brutally assaulted at midnight while carrying out his duties on a transformer station in Selwyn street. He was badly knoeked about by half a dozen roughs and confined to his bed for some time. Another assault of a similar nature occurred on Monday evening. This time in daylight. Tho episode had quite a motion picture flavour about it, «jid had i. camera man, been handy he

could have fitteji. it into a popular serial with ease.' This ia what happened: An employee of the Power House, Mr Shanks, was going home afc about 5 p.m. and just as he readied his residence, on tho corner of North street and Grey road, a taxi rushed op, two men jumped out and one immediately got to work on Shanks with his fists. Evidently thinking that Shanks vras not being punished severely enough, the second man joined in and both pummelled away for all they were worth. The victim was too astonished to retaliate. His wife and another lady were looking on from the house. Then, after their lightning attack the two assailants jumped into the taxi—which had been waiting—and made off again at top speed. Shanks was well battered about, but was able to go to work yesterday. Had the attack taken place in darkness, doubtless his injuries would have been far more serious. Shanks states that he knows both men. The Weather. There has been little alteration in the weather conditions in Timaru during the past 2i hours, but the atmosphere was cooler yesterday. At "J.2 o'clock the temperature in the shade was 70 degrees, and at 3 o'clock, when a cool wind was blowing, it was 63 degrees. . Old Boys' Swimming Club. Tho Old Boys' Swimming Club held the first of their weekly races for this season on Monday evening when about 20 competitors faced the starter and some exciting finishes were seen. The race took the form of a 50 yards handicap for a trophy presented by Mr W.. D. Revell. Besults: First heat, D. P. Lindsay; second heat, W. Marsh; third heat, M. 'Washbourne; fourth heat, N. A. Moore; fifth heat, L. McGregor; sixth heat, P. Davies; seventh heat, K. Clelland. Final, W. Marsh 1, N, A. Moore 2. The Harbour. At Monday's meeting the Mackenzie County Council discussed the proposed improvement schemes in connexion with Timaru harbour. Mr C. J. Talbot, the chairman, said that his own personal view of the matter was that they should go very cautiously and avoid large expenditure. There were two big schemes —one to cost £290,000 and the other £400,000; but even after such proposed expenditure the engineers could not guarantee that the range and other difficulties would be overcome. He considered that any smaller proposal schemes should be fully exploited before the more expensive ones were considered. The South Canterbury Power Board would come before the ratepayers shortly with a big loan proposal, and ho approved this, because that money would be reproductive and do good all round. So far as he could see the harbour loan would not be reproductive. South Canterbury's productivity had about reached its limit, and it was a question whether the harbour loan proposals were not going a little too fast. Another thing to be remembered was that the Hospital Board intended to spend £40,000 in capital expenditure during the next four or five years. Mr Rolleston, M.P., deserved the thanks of the whole district for his explanation of the position. (Hear, hear.) After discussion the chairman moved and Mr Campbell seconded the follow-, ing motion: —"That in the opinion of this Council, the Harbour Board, before incurring the heavy expenditure proposed for harbour works, should/very carefully examine any cheaper sfticthods of deaiing with the' and silt accommodation. It moreover considers that tho time is inopportune for any large capital expenditure unless it is absolute-, ly essential to the safety and efficiency of the harbour." The motion was carried.

TEMUKA. A general meeting of the parishioners of the Parish of and Winchester was held in the Parish Hall on. Monday evening to hear the report and j financial statement in connexion • with the recent Fairy Queen -Carnival. The Rev. J. R. Hervey, who presided, read a linahcial statement showing receipts as follows Country Queen, £lO5 os lid; Maori Queen, £6O 13s lid: Wilv cliester Queen £72 9s 7d; Town Queen, £SB 3s 7d; money from other sources, including takings at the theatre, donations, etc., £52 13s 6dj total, £309 6s 6d. The expenditure amounted to £32 17s 2d. Since the statement was made out, Mr Stone-Wigg had brought a donation, afid this made the net receipts in excess of the expenditure £337 14s 4d. The vicar made a lengthy verbal report, expressing his appreciation of the work that had been done, arid a comprehensive vote of thanks was passed to Mr J. Hughes (use of window), Temuka Band, B. Hughes (orchestra), W. Buchan (Punch and Judy show), O. Bates (material lent), A. H Fenn (auctioneer), W. McMillan (ufio of dolk), F. A. Joynt (use of office), secretaries (R. Smith and Mies S. Nicholas), concert party, stallholders and 'committees, four chairmen (J. W. Keys, H. Bnekell, H. Talbot, J. Stone-Wigg), theatre management, newspapers, Maoris, and the Rev. and Mrs Hervey, who originated the carnival. After the business was .finished, St. Peter's Costume Comedy Company repeated the entertainment given in the Theatre on Carnival night. Another ,s•> 'the old identities of Temuka and, as regards age, perhaps the oldest inhabitant, Mr Stephen Clinch, passed to his rest at Temuka on Sunday in his 9oth y*ar. The late Mr Clinch was born in London in 1829, and came to New Zealand 'GO years ago. Before he left the Old Country he worked for Messrs Collard and Collard, the wellknown firm of piano manufacturers, for many years, lor a time after Lis arrival in the Dominion he"woi'ked on the Otago goldfields, and was fairly successful. Later on he went to Nelson, where he was also connected with mining. On leaving Nelson he came to Temuka, and in partnership with the , late' Richard Lloyd (who died in March, 1921) he started business as a builder and contractor. This partnership lasted as long as the late Mr Lloyd lived. Messrs Clinch and Lloyd took part in rebuilding the Waitaki railway bridge, and they "built the Asliburton flour mills and some of- the principal buildings in Temuka, including the Bank of New Zealand, the English and Methodist Churches, the Courthouse, etc. The firm earned for/.themselves a name for sound, honest workmanship. The late Mr Clinch took small part in public matters, but for a time he served as <i member, of the Temuka Town Board. He was a man of sterling integrity, a,nd won the respect and esteem 'of a wide circle of.friends. He was twice married, and had a family of nine sons and two daughters, „ and four sons , and one daughter survive him—John (Wanganui), Jack and Arthur (Picton), George (Balelutha), Bertie (Temuka), and Miss Tottie (Temuka). He enjoyed remarkably good health until about five years ago. when old age began to tell upon him, but he was not bedridden until n few days before his death, and had the use of all his faculties until a short time ago, although ho was very feeble. The funeral took place yesterday, and was largely attended. At a meeting of directors and suppliers of the Temuka Co-op Dairy Co., held on Monday morning, it was unanimously resolved to support the candidature of Messrs Thacker, Lee, and Fisher as the South Island representatives on the Dairy Produce Control Board. Mr G. W. Twentyman (Seadown) reports the rainfall for the month of November as follows:—November Ist, .02; 7th, .01; 11th, M; 12th, .16; total, .53. The rainfall for November for the previous eleven years is as follows: —-No- 1 vember, 1912, 1.90; 1913, 3.04; 1914, i 2.12; 1915, 2.02; 1916, 1.5; 197, .76; | 1918, 3.23; 1919, 3.25; 1920, 1.49; 1921, .88; 1922. 3,22, ~ ,

WAIMATE. , This year will probably be a record one for the number of sheep shorn November. Owing to the dry weather the wool came off in beautiful condition, and should bring good prices. The Waimate Acclimatisation Society's campaign against shags is being pursued with vigour. Last week the society paid to one party no less than £l7 2s for shags' heads and 151 eggs. These heads, and eggs were secured on the Waitaki River, the boundary between the Waimate and, Waitaki 1 societies' districts. At a meeting of the. Waimate High School Board, Mr S. I. Fitch presiding, Messrs Lindsay end "Whatman were appointed to inspect the Board's endowment lands and report. The Technical Classes' Association was voted a subsidy of £ls, and the Board agreed to pay half of the wool class fees for fifteen pupils from the High School. The sum of £l2 10s was voted for prizes and the usual dux medal. Mrs Hassall is to be asked to present the prizes and the Rev. William Beckett to deliver, a short adtjress. The resignation of Mr E. Hassiill was received with regret. The resignation of Mr Burgess as sports coach was received, and it was decided to offer • his successor on the teaching staff the position at £2O per annum. At the second annual meeting of the United Friendly Societies, Mr W. G. Paul presided ovfcr a full attendance of delegates. The annual report stated that the year had been a successful one. The year was commenced with a credit balance of £l7 18s 9d and closed with a credit of £l6 4s 9d. The sporty meeting held at Easter was from every* .point of view a successful gathering, and it. wr.s evident tft&t these sports will fill a long-felt want at Easter. The gate receipts amounted to £123 4s Bd, and the day's working showed a loss of only £22 7s. This was_ very creditable when compared with similar sports bodies in South Canterbury. The amount .to credit in the sports account was £323 4s 6d, "£3OO of which was on fixed deposit at 6 per cent. There was also a credit of £6 2s 3d in the Council's working account, making a total credit in all funds of £845 lis lOd. The election of officers resulted : President, Mr W. G. Paul; vice-presi-dent, Mr •T. Twomey; treasurer, Mr P. Grant; auditor, Bro. A. J. Jones. The secretary (Mr C. L. McLauchlan) said he regretted that h£ was compelled to relinquish his position. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr McLauchlan for his services and he was given an honorarium of £ls 16s. Sir W. F. George was elected to fill the position. The following were elected as the executive : Bros. W. G. Paul, T. Twomey, L. McLnughlan, R. Eddy, S. J. Bailey, R. Kingsbury,. C. Dickson, and P. Grant. It was decided to hold theannual picnic at Tiniaru. The quarterly meeting of the YTaitaki Licensing Committee' was heid yesterday, there being present Messrs E. D. Mosley, S.M. (chairman), Coventry, Evans, McPherson, Inder and Holmes. A license was granted to Thomas O'Connor in respect of the Waipiata. Hotel. Transfers were granted as follows: John Boyle to Eugene A. Craighead (Studholme Hotle), John McVee to Samuel Dunn (Georgetown Hotel), J. A. Greer to J. de Malmanche, Railway Hotel, Kurow; administrator in the estate of the late Mr Griffin to Elizabeth Murray, - United Hotel, Macraes, the licensee fo the Kedcliu Hotel, was granted permission to conduct a general store m the hotel building. A word of warning to holders of wholesale licenses in the Waitaki licensing district was uttered by the chairman, ju© said it had come to the notice of the committee that too free use was being made of these licenses, and he wished wholesalers to take notice of this. If the practice did not cease forthwith, the matter would be remembered at the next annual meeting, when the licences came up for renewal. The St. Paul's Methodist Sunday school teachers met at the residence of Mrs Morrison on Monday evening. The balance-sheet of the recent anniversary showed a credit balance of £2tf 6s—a record. The resignation of Miss Crawshaw as a teacher was received with muoh regret,,. Then children's effort for the orphanage on Thursday next waa commended to all. It was decided to close the Sunday school for the summer vacation on December reopening on Sunday, February 3rd.' It was resolved to postpone the Sunday school picnic until Jauuarj 24th.